After Sustaining Rp143 Trillion Loss, This Communist Nation Begins to Oppose US
Cuba has begun taking a firmer stance against the United States after claiming that Washington’s policies under President Donald Trump have caused economic losses of up to US$8.1 billion, or approximately Rp143.37 trillion, in 2025. The Havana government now asserts that there are no ongoing negotiations or new plans for negotiation with the US.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that losses resulting from the US trade embargo, which has lasted for decades, increased by 7% compared to the previous year.
“There are no negotiations or agendas, although the willingness to remain in contact persists despite the lack of progress,” Rodriguez said during a press conference in Havana.
Rodriguez estimates that pressure on the Cuban economy will become even more severe in early 2026. This follows the Trump administration’s imposition of a blockade on oil supplies to Cuba, which is said to have slashed energy production and triggered nationwide power outages lasting for days.
“This blockade does not punish the government, but rather punishes everyone in every way,” said Rodriguez. According to him, Cuban citizens must now face conditions where electricity is only available for about two to three hours a day or even less, while food rots and extreme heat makes it difficult for the population to sleep.
The energy crisis is also impacting daily life. Rodriguez noted that these conditions force children to do their homework in near darkness, while limited electricity and water supplies further strain the Cuban people.
The US government has not yet provided a direct response to Rodriguez’s statements. Washington previously stated that the embargo and sanctions against Cuba are necessary to encourage change within the communist government, which is accused of restricting economic and human rights.
The United Nations (UN) has also condemned the sanctions and the energy siege against Cuba. UN experts warned in August of the increasing risk of disease outbreaks in the country due to the deteriorating economic and health conditions, as well as limited access to basic necessities.
Amidst this pressure, the US has even issued health warnings regarding a surge in intestinal diseases and diarrhoea in Cuba. Reuters reported that these conditions are linked to the worsening water and electricity supplies, indicating that the impact of the US-Cuba feud has now expanded from the economic sector to the lives and health of the public.